Effect of feeding bentonite clay on excretion of aflatoxin M1 in milk of dairy animals Sherasia P. L.*, Waghela C. R., Sharma R., Patel A.P.1, Sridhar V.2, Pawar P. M., Gupta S.K.3 Animal Nutrition Group, National Dairy Development Board, Anand-388 001, Gujarat, India 1Banaskantha District Cooperative Milk Producers’ Union Ltd., Palanpur, Gujarat 2Mother Dairy, Nagpur, Maharashtra 3NDDB CALF Ltd., Anand, Gujarat *Correspondence: pankajs@nddb.coop
Online published on 28 December, 2023. Abstract Aim of this field study was to evaluate the effect of feeding sodium bentonite on feed intake, milk yield, excretion of aflatoxin M, and mineral bioavailability in dairy animals. Thirty multiparous lactating crossbred cows (n=26) and buffaloes (n=4) having milk yield 10-15 kg/day were divided into three groups (Control, T1 and T2) of ten each, based on milk yield, fat% and stage of lactation (90-180 post calving). All animals were daily fed basal diet comprising 3-4 kg cattle feed, 2-3 kg maize bhardo (ground maize grain), 15-20 kg hybrid napier fodder and 4-5 kg jowar straw. In addition to basal diet, each animal in treatment groups T1 and T2 were daily supplemented 100 and 150 g sodium bentonite clay (montmorillonite-87.67%; in vitro net binding capacity-97.6%), respectively. Dry matter intake, milk yield, aflatoxin B, intake and excretion of aflatoxin M1 of individual animals were recorded on day 0, 15, 30, 45 and 60. Blood samples were collected before (0 day) and after (60 days) feeding sodium bentonite. Study revealed that supplementation of sodium bentonite did not affect (P>0.05) dry matter intake and milk yield. Average aflatoxin B, intake was 83.1, 89.4 and 105.9 yg/kg dry matter intake in control, T1 and T2 groups, respectively. Supplementation of sodium bentonite @ 100 and 150 g in the ration of dairy animals significantly (P<0.05) reduced aflatoxin M1, in milk by 61.6% and 54.2%, respectively. Transfer rate of aflatoxin from feed to milk also reduced significantly(P<0.05) by 48.2% and 43.9% in T1 and T2 groups, respectively. Blood mineral profiles did not affect (P>0.05) due to supplementation of bentonite in dairy animals. Daily supplemental cost of commercial bentonite clay was less than Rs. 1.0 per animal. Study demonstrates that supplementation of bentonite clay help to reduce aflatoxin M1, in milk, without affecting feed intake, milk yield and blood mineral profiles in dairy animals. Top Keywords Aflatoxins, Bentonite, Milk, Mineral bioavailability, Ruminants. Top |